Max Palfrey's Sensory-Friendly Adaptive Clothing Line

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2024/11/15 - Updated: 2025/08/25
Publication Type: Product Release, Update
Category Topic: Assistive Home Products - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article highlights the inspiring story of Max Palfrey, a young entrepreneur with autism who has created a clothing line to address sensory issues experienced by individuals with similar conditions. Max's appearance on the mental health platform Jaaq Jnr not only raises awareness about autism and related challenges but also demonstrates the importance of open discussions about mental health among young people. The article showcases how personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions, as Max's own diagnosis inspired him to create sensory-friendly clothing. Additionally, it emphasizes the positive impact of inclusive media representation and the potential for young individuals to make significant contributions to their communities. The success of Max's business and the platform's growing popularity underscore the demand for resources that support neurodiversity and mental health awareness among youth - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

An award-winning young entrepreneur from Derbyshire has talked about his autism diagnosis on a mental health platform which has been viewed more than a 1.2 million times.

Main Content

Twelve-year-old Max Palfrey, who invented a range of clothing for people with sensory issues, has appeared on the children's mental health show Jaaq Jnr, which is backed by private healthcare provider Bupa.

He travelled down to London to film the show and discussed how his own experiences with additional needs inspired him to set up the business Comfa and create a range of sensory-friendly t-shirts complete with built-in popits.

Max was just five years old when he was first diagnosed as autistic with Pathological Demand Avoidance and seven years old when he was identified as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as sensory processing and hypermobility.

In the eleven-minute program Max opens up about the challenges he faces, how friends can support him and gives his advice for anyone with similar diagnoses.

The show is a children's version of the popular mental health platform Jaaq which stands for 'just ask a question' and features guests like Davina McCall, Peter Andre and footballer Matt Morton.

The program aims to encourage young people to talk about mental health challenges and is hosted by friends Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson who won Pride of Britain Awards in recognition of their fundraising, following Hughie's leukemia diagnosis.

Since its release on YouTube in August, Jaaq Jr has already garnered 1.2 million views, covering essential topics like bullying, friendship challenges, and anxiety. The official platform is set to launch in 2025, bringing even more resources to support young people.

Continued below image.
Jaaq Jr.
The image is a colorful promotional graphic for a show or podcast episode, titled Let Us Do the Talking, presented by JAQ Jr. and backed by Bupa. It features three young people, with one labeled as Max in bold red text. Each child is in a separate frame, sitting in front of a microphone, suggesting they're speaking or sharing their experiences. The main text, in large, bold red and white letters, asks: Ever Wonder What It's Like to Have Autism? This question is framed by a dynamic, comic-style design with starburst shapes and bright colors like blue, red, and yellow, which give the image a vibrant, energetic feel. The lower left corner displays the show's logo, Let Us Do the Talking, in gold letters with a microphone icon. The Bupa logo, located in the lower right, indicates their support for this content. The background features a blue, comic-book-inspired design with dotted patterns and radiating lines, adding to the graphic's engaging, youthful appeal.
Continued...

Max said:

"Going down to London again to participate in the podcast was amazing. That's two shows now-Jaaq Jr and This Morning."

"I am so proud of how well the clothing range is doing. I hope it is making a difference to the lives of people like me."

"Hughie and Freddie were really nice and made me feel comfortable. The organizers even called ahead to ask about my favorite snacks and had them ready for me when I arrived and had also adapted the studio to make it autism friendly."

"I hope that anyone struggling with being autistic can gain something from the podcast. I want to help people who experience the same challenges as me."

The interview is not Max's first brush with fame; last year the youngster appeared on This Morning, where presenter Paddy McGuinness, after trying on a T-shirt, said he'd be ordering some for his own three children who also are autistic.

Continued below image.
Dad Matt with Max Palfrey, Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson.
This image shows Dad Matt with Max Palfrey, Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson in a recording studio setup with three people seated around a table, each with a microphone in front of them. They appear to be recording a podcast or interview. The setup includes three young boys and one adult standing behind them. The adult, dressed in black, stands behind the boys, smiling and resting his hands on the back of the middle chair, giving a supportive presence. The boy on the left, with reddish-brown hair and wearing a black sweater, smiles at the camera. The boy in the center wears a white t-shirt and looks relaxed and happy. The boy on the right, wearing a bright orange jacket, also smiles and has his hands folded on the table. In the background, there is a glowing neon sign that reads JAQ Jr, which adds a modern, engaging atmosphere to the studio. On the table, there are a few sheets of paper, two glasses of water, and a sound mixer with control buttons and volume levels visible in the foreground. The lighting in the room features soft purple and red hues, creating a warm and professional podcasting environment.
Continued...

The material used in the clothing line is 93 per cent modal, a semi-synthetic fabric that is made from beech tree pulp, and seven percent elastane, with the seams encased on the inside. The washing and care instructions are also on a sticker that can simply be peeled off to stop the need for irritating labels.

Max's father and business partner said:

"I couldn't be prouder of Max, he has already achieved more than most 12-year-olds, and wants to continue using his experiences to help others."

"The t-shirts are available in black, light blue, white and pink and fit children between the ages of three and 16-plus. The 16-plus one fits an adult size 12 and the 13-15 is worn by my wife, Lauren, who is a UK size 10 so it's possible for adults to wear them, too."

"We are hoping to have more colors available soon."

"The clothing range sells out quickly whenever we release a new batch, and the feedback from parents has been truly amazing. For instance, one mother messaged to say she can finally leave the house with her child and another parent shared that they can now take their child on holiday."

"Specialist sensory clothing can be expensive, so we have kept the cost of the Fidget-T as low as we can. Parents wanting to test that the material is right for their child can also get a free sample beforehand."

"The clothing range is entirely led by Max. He is never pushed; we are guided by him and what he can handle. I want this to be entirely his project."

The family has received grants from organizations including Erewash Borough Council, Connecting Derbyshire, NDV and the Accelerator Program to help build the business and there are plans in the future to design other items of clothing such as school uniform and underwear.

More information is available at www.comfa.co.uk

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Max Palfrey's story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of young entrepreneurs and the importance of inclusive design. His appearance on Jaaq Jnr not only showcases his business acumen but also highlights the critical need for open discussions about neurodiversity and mental health among youth. Max's innovative approach to addressing sensory issues through his clothing line demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire solutions that benefit many. As platforms like Jaaq Jr continue to gain traction, they pave the way for a more understanding and supportive society, where young voices like Max's can lead the charge in creating positive change. This blend of entrepreneurship, advocacy, and mental health awareness represents a promising direction for future generations, emphasizing the value of embracing differences and turning them into strengths - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2024, November 15 - Last revised: 2025, August 25). Max Palfrey's Sensory-Friendly Adaptive Clothing Line. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 9, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/household/comfa.php

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